I just found the carseat I used for LO1 and 2 in a closet. It's in great condition considering it has been used with 2 kids. I love too because it has an extra large canopy. BUT, it's set to expire in November 2017 and I'm due late Sept/early October. Would you keep it or spring for a new car seat?
-
I assume youre talking about a bucket seat?
Personally I would us it for the 6 months you need it (2 before the expiration date and 4 months after). Its your seat and you know the history and its been stored in a climate controlled area (no heat/humidity).
-
I would absolutely buy a new car seat, it's just not worth the risk at all to have your child in a seat that may not preform perfectly in an accident.
-
@T.H.O.U.: Yes, infant seat! It's a KeyFit Magic Rattania which can be hard to find--so I would hate to get rid of it!
-
I'd use it until it expired then move them to a convertible seat. I wouldn't want to be in a situation and have insurance not cover something just in case.
Or ask a friend if they have one that's not expired!
-
@Banana330: We'll be nearing winter here so with a 3 month old we definitely won't be ready for convertible only.
-
@matador84: Ya i get it.. I wouldn't want to buy a new bucket for a few months... so if I couldn't borrow one I would probably go to a convertible and suck up having to carry them in to the house/wear them when we're out.
-
I would definitely get a new seat. In addition to the six-year expiration date, that seat has been through a ton of heat (and/or cold) stress (exposure), UV exposure, bumps and knocks, etc. I would not risk it.
-
I would definitely get a new seat.
-
Without a doubt a new seat. Knowing my baby is as safe as possible, is worth the expense. You can get one for $58 at Target.
-
@matador84: Yea if youre going into winter and will need the seat for a while then I would get a new one.
-
I would definitely get a new seat.
-
For me it would depend on how long I was going to use it. I don't think anything "magical" happens to the seat in Nov 2017
so I would probably be okay using it a few months longer. If it's in good enough shape to use in October, I imagine using it in Jan/Feb would be fine as well. I would also rather use my very slightly expired seat rather than borrow a seat from anyone other than maybe my sister since I wouldn't 100% know the history of the seat (given that my sister texts me literally every single minor detail of her life).
-
I would replace it for all of the reasons listed above. It's just not worth the risk.
-
Eh...I'm with @peachykeen. I think I'd use the seat even after the expiration date. Those are usually on there because technology has gotten better over the course of a few years, but peachykeen is right. It's not going to turn into a pumpkin after the expiration date, and they recommend you move to a convertible sooner than later these days. I'd rather use it than buy a cheap one from Target.
-
Just as an FYI if you do happen to be in a car accident and the car seat is expired the insurance company will not only not cover the replacement of the seat but also any medical expenses.
I would replace it.
-
I would replace it for the exact reasons @LBee: cited.
-
@peachykeen: @2PeasinaPod: A cheaper new seat is safer than a more expensive expired seat. The seat won't turn into a pumpkin, but they put expiration dates on them for a reason. The article linked below has several of the very good reasons why you should not use an expired seat.
-
I would get a new seat.
-
I'd get a new one. Our plan for number three is to probably just get a nice convertible that we can use from day one, and baby wear rather than lugging the bucket seat. My son hated the bucket and I hated carrying it while trying to hold my daughter's hand, so I don't think I'll buy another one.
-
I'd get a new one. Target has a great deal on Graco seats right now -- you can get this infant seat for $57 plus an additional 5% off with promo code (plus another 5% off if you have a red card, I'd assume): http://www.target.com/p/graco-snugride-30-click-connect-infant-car-seat/-/A-16721764
-
@LBee: Do you have a source for that information? I'd like to add it to my arsenal.
-
@jape14: Yeah, I think that's the one @Smurfette was referring to (I've seen ads for it, too).
I'd take a $57 new Graco over an expired more expensive seat any day. But in general I don't think more expensive = safer.
-
@jape14: The only thing that stinks about that seat is that it's rear adjusting.
@matador84: This seat is similar to the one linked above but it is front adjust. We have the click connect 35 and I really like it.
-
You can also get a ticket for using an expired car seat. (I'm assuming this would only happen in the case of an accident, because what cop is going to be looking for that?)
-
@2PeasinaPod: the all have to pass the same safety tests. Cheaper usually means less bells and whistles, harder install, etc. but it is just as safe as a $200 seat.
-
@kiddosc: I heard it from our insurance company. They required a picture of the expiration data in order to process the claim -- we asked out of curiosity why and they said if it was expired that no expenses associate with it or a child in it would be covered. I would email your insurance company and I'm sure they will respond back in writing confirming this.
-
Diapers.com is also having a sale that applies to many carseats -- 25 percent off, plus if you're a new customer you can get an additional 10. I just got our convertible seat for a great deal.
so I would probably be okay using it a few months longer. If it's in good enough shape to use in October, I imagine using it in Jan/Feb would be fine as well. Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
27 comments